Abstract: A ditch forming apparatus makes the finishing touches on the ground work whereat the ditch is to be formed, pours the concrete, screeds the concrete, and finishes the surface of the concrete. The apparatus uses a hopper with and open top and an open bottom to receive as well as pour the concrete. An extension on the front of the apparatus has a pair of sloped sides joined by a flat bottom making the final shaping of the ground prior to concrete pour. The back edge of the open bottom screeds the concrete while a skid attached to the rear of the apparatus finishes the surface of the poured concrete, the skid having surfaces that are generally parallel with the sides of the extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and smoothing a substance such as concrete and drawing up paste in one motion. The apparatus has a leveling blade with a straight edge and a smooth-surfaced float. The float attaches to the leveling blade by a connecting strip of resilient material, which permits the position of the float to contour to the concrete surface. The connecting strip, adjacent to the float, contacts the concrete surface to pull up cement paste, which creates a more workable surface. The leveling blade attaches to the handle by a mount. The mount and handle are adjustable to add additional length to the apparatus for use on various sized concrete surfaces. A vibratory mechanism can also be attached to the apparatus to assist in leveling and smoothing concrete.

Abstract: A paving machine arranged to spread and level concrete along a path. The paving machine has a frame assembly, and at least one concrete processing device carried by the frame assembly. The processing device include at least two mutually screed elements spanning the width of the frame assembly and are mutually adjustable in height relative to the frame assembly. The paving machine futher include a control device that positions the at least two screed elements relative to the frame assembly.

Abstract: Methods of screeding and screeding apparatus which are designed to be driven through poured, uncured concrete. Embodiments of the screeding apparatus are provided with novel wheels which can be moved through concrete both before and after screeding without requiring the re-screeding of the areas through which the wheels have passed.

Abstract: A guidance system for providing control over the height and inclination of a portable screed is provided. The guidance system includes an inclination measuring device for measuring an inclination, an inclination display for displaying the measured inclination to an operator, a level measuring device for measuring a height relative to a reference signal, and a level display for displaying the measured height to the operator. The inclination measuring device, inclination display, level measuring device and level display can be mounted on a portable screed. The inclination display and the level display are adapted to be used by the operator to guide the portable screed.

Abstract: A pavement temperature monitoring system (10) is used on paver vehicle (12) that is capable of forming a pavement material mat (11) upon abase surface (13), as paver vehicle (12) travels generally in a single direction. A temperature sensor (14) can be either a thermal imager, a thermal scanner, or a thermal imager operating in line “scan” mode. The temperature sensor (14) is mounted on a rear end (12a) of the paver vehicle (12) in such a way that the entire width of the formed mat can be scanned or imaged. A display device (16) is capable of receiving a plurality of electrical signals from the thermal scanner generating and displaying a graphical image (17) of the formed mat temperature profile.

Abstract: A screed with a trussed beam having a cross-section in the geometrical shape of an equilateral triangle used to support tools for working plastic concrete. The beam is supported between spaced apart, wheeled carriages riding forms bounding the plastic concrete. The beam is oriented such that the cross-sectional triangle is inverted with the wide base at the screed top and the apex at the bottom. The inverted triangular truss beam has sufficient space to suspend working tools substantially within the peripheral edges of the beam. The screed uses upstanding integral outriggers so that the pitch at the center of the screed can be adjusted exteriorly to the pour site. A rotary spreader displaces concrete forwardly without deleteriously compressing it as the screed moves forwardly.

Abstract: A lightweight screeding apparatus for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a concrete surface working member, such as vibrating beam or member, and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating beam. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating beam and/or the grade setting device. The wheels of the wheeled support may be powered or driven to assist an operator in moving the screeding apparatus over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device is vertically adjustable to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device may be adjusted by means of a laser plane responsive control system.

Abstract: A transducer arrangement and method that generates control signals indicating relative positions of the ends of a hydraulically movable screed head. The generated control signals of the present invention are used by a conventional control circuit controlling the hydraulically movable screed head with laser receivers in a column block situation, which interrupts the reception of a laser beam from a laser transmitter by one of the laser receivers, to provide an estimated absolute position of the interrupted receiver side of the screed head until the column block situation clears. Normally, absolute measurements are available on both sides of the screed head via the laser receivers receiving the laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and smoothing a substance such as concrete and drawing up paste in one motion. The apparatus has a leveling blade with a straight edge and a smooth-surfaced float. The float attaches to the leveling blade by a connecting strip of resilient material, which permits the position of the float to contour to the concrete surface. The connecting strip, adjacent to the float, contacts the concrete surface to pull up cement paste, which creates a more workable surface. The leveling blade attaches to the handle by a mounting means. The mounting means and handle are adjustable to add additional length to the apparatus for use on various sized concrete surfaces. A means for vibration can also be attached to the apparatus to assist in leveling and smoothing concrete.

Abstract: A screed assembly apparatus for loose or plastic materials such as placed and/or poured, uncured concrete previously placed on the ground or another support surface, includes a screed frame, and mounted thereon, a striker for engaging and spreading the materials and a rotatable auger for moving the material longitudinally along the screed frame. The auger provides a pair of intertwined spiral flight coils. The striker is spaced to one side of the auger and in parallel thereto. An auger mounting means and a motive power means are engaged for rotating the auger to remove excess portions of the concrete from the pour.

Abstract: A guidance system for providing control over the height and inclination of a portable screed is provided. The guidance system includes an inclination measuring means for measuring an inclination, an inclination display means for displaying the measured inclination to an operator, a level measuring means for measuring a height relative to a reference signal, and a level display means for displaying the measured height to the operator. The inclination measuring means, inclination display means, level measuring means and level display means can be mounted on a portable screed. The inclination display means and the level display means are adapted to be used by the operator to guide the portable screed.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is for mobilizing a construction vehicle upon a base surface and includes a frame connected with the vehicle and configured to pivot about a first axis. At least one and preferably two axles are connected with the frame and configured to pivot respectively about a second axis and a third axis, the second and third axes each extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first axis. Each axle has a longitudinal centerline extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the second axis. Two wheels are preferably connected with each axle so as to rotate generally about each axle centerline. When the wheels are disposed generally upon the base surface, the wheels roll with respect to the surface so as to at least partially mobilize the vehicle. Further, angular displacement of the frame and the axle about the second axis move the wheels within two perpendicular vertical planes.

Abstract: Apparatus for screeding concrete and other materials includes a primary support and a secondary support adjustably slidably movable on the primary support to raise or lower an elongated screed guide member. The secondary support includes a receptacle for holding the elongated screed guide member. Surface engaging support structure is provided at the lower end of the apparatus to disperse downwardly directed forces.

Abstract: A concrete finishing tool storage case is used to retain and transport a partially disassembled concrete finishing tool having a variously sized concrete float. A case includes a cover moveable into engagement with a base to define a closed position, and moveable away from the base to define an open position. The cover has a lower surface provided with a series of spaced apart, parallel downwardly facing grooves adapted to receive a concrete float connected to a concrete float adjusting device. An upper surface of the cover is formed with a cut-out adapted to receive the concrete float adjusting device connected to the concrete float. The base has a number of spaced apart barriers, adjacent pairs of barriers defining a set of channels adapted to frictionally receive a plurality of handle extensions collectively attached to the float adjusting device. Certain of the barriers are formed with pockets adapted to receive and support the concrete float connected to the concrete float adjusting device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibrating screed for compacting and smoothing flowable cementitious materials. More specifically, this invention relates to a self-contained hydraulic powered concrete screed. This hydraulic screed consists of a relatively lightweight screed unit having a hydraulic powered vibrator and a portable hydraulic power pack that is mounted on a back pack wearable by the operator. The handle of the screed unit is isolated from the hydraulic vibrator and screed blade by three rubber isolation mounts. The working height of the handle can be adjusted by a turnbuckle assembly at one of the rubber mounts, causing the handle to pivot about the other two the rubber mounts. The hydraulic power pack comprises an internal combustion engine driving a hydraulic pump that provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the vibrator unit via flexible hoses.

Abstract: A concrete finishing apparatus and method for smoothing and flattening partially cured concrete to a close-tolerance surface includes a movable unit which is movable and entirely supported on or over a partially cured concrete surface and at least one rotatable finishing member, such as a cylindrical tube, roller or the like, mounted to the movable unit. The rotatable finishing member is positioned at the partially cured concrete surface and rotatable to engage and finish the surface of the partially cured concrete to a high quality, close-tolerance flat and level concrete floor surface. The rotatable finishing member is preferably rotatable in a direction generally opposite to the direction of travel of the movable unit to enhance the finishing process and to carry any cement paste or residue forward with the finishing member to fill in any low areas as the concrete finishing apparatus moves over the partially cured concrete.

Abstract: The combination of a hand held mounting mechanism having an elongated tubular member containing a rotating shaft, where the elongated tubular member includes a cone-shaped bracket at a free end thereof, and a concrete slumping implement. Several embodiments are disclosed, where in each the implement comprises a concrete contacting plate, either flat and/or sectional, or contoured, an upstanding wall extending therefrom, and an L-shaped bracket for mounting to the cone-shaped bracket. Additionally, the rotating shaft may mount an eccentric wheel for imparting a vibrating or cyclic action to the concrete slumping implement.

Abstract: A screed with a trussed beam having a cross-section in the geometrical shape of an equilateral triangle used to support tools for working plastic concrete. The beam is supported between spaced apart, wheeled carriages riding forms bounding the plastic concrete. The beam is oriented such that the cross-sectional triangle is inverted with the wide base at the screed top and the apex at the bottom. The inverted triangular truss beam has sufficient space to suspend working tools substantially within the peripheral edges of the beam. The screed uses upstanding integral outriggers so that the pitch at the center of the screed can be adjusted exteriorly to the pour site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leveling and smoothing the surface of wet concrete mix to provide a smooth finish surface relatively unobstructed by pebbles and the like, in which a screed blade is first pulled over the wet mix, a perforated drum or roller is pulled behind the screed blade, and both the blade and the drum are concurrently vibrated in a vibratory motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating leveling of an unrestrained material such as uncured concrete with a straight edge board is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first engagement and a second engagement member which are attached to the straight edge board. Each engagement member includes a frame, a handle, an adjustable handle bracket and a fastening bolt. The apparatus allows a worker to extend further without bending and prevents poor ergonomics. The apparatus may be used with most straight edge boards, and is easy to disassemble and store in a relatively small space.

Abstract: A screed device in a road-paving vehicle such as an asphalt finisher, enabling the width of pavement to be steplessly changed up to about three times the width of the main screed through a simple operation. The screed device is so constituted that a pair of extensible screeds 15, 16 having a width nearly equal to the width of a main screed 7 are arranged back and forth in the direction of progress of the main screed, wherein supports 27, 28 are allowed to move in the direction of width of pavement being supported by support portions 23, 24 provided on both sides at the rear upper portions of the main screed 7, said extensible screeds 15, 16 are supported by said supports 27, 28 so as to be freely moved in the direction of width of pavement, and the extensible screeds 15, 16 are moved by the feeding devices such as hydraulic cylinders in the directions of width of pavement but opposite to each other from the rear positions of the main screed 7.

Abstract: A remotely controlled power float apparatus comprises a horizontally oriented platform supported on a pair of spaced apart, rotationally mounted, floats. The floats each provide a downwardly directed flat surface for moving in contact with, and thereby smoothing, a non-hardened concrete surface. Mounted on the platform is a fan, rotationally adapted for directing a horizontal thrust vector in a variably selectable direction for moving and steering the apparatus over the concrete surface. The floats are adapted for being tilted thereby enabling a variable contact area between the floats and the concrete surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paver for the paving of ground courses for roads or the like, having a chassis and a trailed floating screed which is articulated on the latter via tow arms and of which the angle of attack relative to the ground is capable of being adjusted via actuating cylinders and which comprises a basic screed and extendable screeds and/or attached screed parts, there being arranged between the rear region, as seen in the paving direction, of the chassis and the extendable screeds and/or the attached screed parts of each side at least one hydraulic supporting cylinder which, at the moment of start-up of the paver, is subjected to an adjustable hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A concrete deposition device includes at least a concrete delivery unit and a leveling element in a single unit. The device can be moved across an edge of a concrete mass under deposition to simultaneously place and level plastic concrete. The device may also include a screed trailing the leveling element to provide additional compacting and control of the top surface of the concrete mass. In a preferred embodiment a carrier translates the deposition device along a predetermined path to provide for improved ease and accuracy in the formation of the concrete mass.

Abstract: A concrete smoothing device including a plate portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is planar for positioning on freshly poured concrete. The upper surface has a reinforcement brace secured centrally thereon. A swivel bracket is secured to the reinforcement brace of the upper surface of the plate portion. The swivel bracket includes a cylindrical post extending upwardly from the reinforcement brace. The cylindrical post has a collar rotatably disposed thereon. The collar has a pair of arms extending laterally therefrom. The pair of arms has a space disposed therebetween. An elongated handle is provided having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end has an end cap secured thereto. The end cap has a tab extending outwardly therefrom. The tab is positioned within the space between the pair of arms of the swivel bracket and pivotally secured thereto by a pivot pin.

Abstract: The screed assembly includes a screed plate and a screed frame. The screed plate includes a notch and the screed frame includes a tab that is inserted into the notch on the screed frame such that only screed plates and screed frames which include proper mating notches and tabs may be assembled together on road paving machines. In a preferred form of the invention, the width of the tab is approximately equal to the width of the notch to prevent lateral movement of the screed plate with respect to the screed frame when the screed plate is subjected to lateral impacts and forces during operation of the road paving machine.

Abstract: An apparatus that tamps paving material and distributes the paving material evenly across a screed plate before the paving material is leveled by the screed plate. The apparatus includes a tamper bar for compacting material, a drive connected to the tamper bar, and a biasing member. The drive intermittently forces the tamper bar downward into contact with the paving material at a desired speed and to a desired depth. The biasing member is connected to the tamper bar and biases the tamper bar upward against the drive such that the biasing member raises the tamper bar out of contact with the paving surface after the drive forces the tamper bar downward.

Abstract: A lightweight screeding apparatus for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a concrete surface working member, such as vibrating beam or member, and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating beam. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating beam and/or the grade setting device. The wheels of the wheeled support may be powered or driven to assist an operator in moving the screeding apparatus over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device is vertically adjustable to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device may be adjusted by means of a laser plane responsive control system.

Abstract: A screed assembly for use with a prime mover adapted to be moved over a surface to distribute material on the surface. The assembly comprises a prime mover, a screed platform having a screed plate forming a bottom surface thereof and first and second sets of tow arms operably coupled between the prime mover and the screed platform. The tow arms of each set are pivotally coupled with the prime mover and the screed platform and the pivotal coupling of one arm is vertically spaced from the pivotal coupling of the other arm of the same set. Depending upon the dynamics of the paving operation being performed, the tow arms of each set may be in a crossed or a non-crossed orientation to provide positive control of the angle of attack of the screed plate relative to the tow angle. A method of maintaining a substantially uniform depth of a material being spread over a surface by a screed is also contemplated by the invention.

Abstract: A machine having a tool with hydraulically moveable ends, for example as a screed head, is setup for operation by using an inclinometer or other sensor to determine the orientation of the tool. According to this method, the on grade elevational position of the first end of the tool with respect to the reference is selected, and the first end of the tool is then moved to the desired elevational position while an elevation receiver at the first end detects the reference, such as a beam of laser light. The on grade orientation of the tool along its length from one end to the other is selected, and the second end of the tool moved until the on grade orientation of the tool along its length is sensed. The reference is then detected with the elevation receiver at the second end of the tool. The detected positions of the reference at the first and second ends of the tool are then stored as on grade positions.

Abstract: A dirt grading implement consisting of a mounting plate having a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, and having a lower end, the back side of the mounting plate being adapted for removable attachment to the boom arm or lift arms of mobile earth moving equipment; a bar fixedly attached to the lower end of the mounting plate, the bar having a leftwardly extending section and a rightwardly extending section, the sections extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the left and right sides of the mounting plate, the bar having a forwardly oriented face and a downwardly oriented dirt engaging face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paving screed for a paver, with a basic screed and with at least one lateral extendable screed part which is connected to the basic screed via hydraulically actuable tensioners. The height of the extendable screed part can be adjusted via a height setting device which comprises vertical spindles which are coupled to the extendable screed part and are held on the basic screed rotatably relative to the latter. The spindles are adjustable via a common drive motor, it being possible, as a result of the actuation of the drive motor, to trigger a release of the hydraulically actuable tensioners for the duration of actuation. The extendable screed part is also connected to the basic screed via spring-biased screws.

Abstract: A concrete finishing tool includes a float and texturing brush installed upon the distal end of an elongate handle. The float and handle connection may include a mechanism for adjusting the plane of the float relative to the handle axis, if desired. A pair of brackets extends from the upper surface of the float, with a texturing broom or brush adjustably secured to the distal ends of the brackets. The brackets allow the broom to be adjusted linearly and/or angularly relative to the plane of the float, to provide a bristle rake angle and/or penetration depth as desired. The present tool, with its adjustable texturing broom, allows a concrete worker to begin texturing a freshly poured concrete surface as it is being smoothed, with the worker adjusting the broom for a consistent finish texture as the concrete changes its viscosity during the curing process.

Abstract: Machine to level materials on the ground, made up of an operative set which includes two parallel telescopic arms (4), which are incorporated in revolving disposition on a bearing structure (1), while on the end of the arms in articulated fastening a horizontal head (6) is situated, foreseen of means to distribute, level and compact materials to be applied on the ground.

Abstract: A concrete finishing apparatus and method for smoothing and flattening partially cured concrete to a close-tolerance surface includes a movable unit which is movable and entirely supported on or over a partially cured concrete surface and at least one rotatable finishing member, such as a cylindrical tube, roller or the like, mounted to the movable unit. The rotatable finishing member is positioned at the partially cured concrete surface and rotatable to engage and finish the surface of the partially cured concrete to a high quality, close-tolerance flat and level concrete floor surface. The rotatable finishing member is preferably rotatable in a direction generally opposite to the direction of travel of the movable unit to enhance the finishing process and to carry any cement paste or residue forward with the finishing member to fill in any low areas as the concrete finishing apparatus moves over the partially cured concrete.

Abstract: A pull spreader for spreading a surface material such as asphalt on a path. The pull spreader includes an open-bottomed frame having a first side wall and an opposed second side wall, a front wall extending between the first and second side walls, a screed wall opposed to the front wall and extending between the first and second side walls so that the first and second side walls, front wall and screed wall define a storage chamber for the surface material, wherein the storage chamber has an inlet area defined between top edges of the side walls, front wall and screed wall that is about the same as or smaller than a discharge area of the storage chamber defined between bottom edges of the side walls, front wall and screed wall which bottom edges are adjacent the path over which the pull spreader travels. The pull spreader also includes at least one steering wheel secured to a front frame extension extending from the front wall in a direction away from the storage chamber.

Abstract: A device that allows a user to spread and level concrete in a standing position includes a beam formed of a pair of beam segments, each having an inboard end that may be removably joined to the inboard end of the opposing beam member at select locations to vary the length of the beam. Pivotally mounted to the outboard end of each beam segment is a handle assembly. The handle assembly is pivotable between a plurality of angular positions allowing the beam to be manipulated within confined spaces and whereby the beam may also be used in an inverted position. A first beam segment includes an eye bolt for coupling with an external towing device to assist a user in pulling the beam across a heavy layer of concrete.

Abstract: A concrete paving machine (1) for leveling poured concrete (2) is horizontally extendable in both length and width, as well as vertically adjustable for screening concrete masses of varying dimensions. The concrete paving machine is driven on tracks (12) and is further provided with extendable pressure cylinders, which connect a pivotable arm (16) to a fixed support on a side part of the paving machine, in order to position the endless track (12), to stradle the concrete mass being leveled.

Abstract: A single roller concrete finishing machine for finishing a concrete surface includes a primary motorized unit and a secondary unmotorized unit disposed on each side of a surface to be paved, with a single roller disposed on the unfinished surface which connects the primary unit and the secondary unit. The primary unit includes a first base having an elongated first handle having two ends, one end of the first handle being connected to the first base, and the other end of the first handle being connected to handlebars, below which an engaging lever is disposed. The secondary unit includes a second base with an elongated second handle similar to the first handle, but without the engaging lever. The handles of each of the primary unit and the secondary unit are swingably adjustable in a horizontal plane to aid in the leveling of the concrete surface to be finished. The primary unit has an engine mounted on the first base, and a mechanism to rotate the roller.

Abstract: An attachment device for laying two surface layers which may also consist of different materials in a road way. The device should be economical to produce and suitable for laying multilayer road surfaces or for simply laying a conventional single layer surface. To this end, the inventive attachment contains elements for simultaneously laying two layers, hot on hot. The elements are mounted on a frame to be detachably connected to the finisher, the frame having fixing points for detachably connecting the attachment and the finisher and the attachment and the driver's cab.

Abstract: A screed assembly for use with a prime mover adapted to be moved over a surface to distribute material on the surface. The assembly of the present invention comprises a prime mover, a screed platform having a screed plate forming a bottom surface thereof and first and second sets of tow arms operably coupled between the prime mover and the screed platform. The tow arms of each set are pivotally coupled with the prime mover and the screed platform and the pivotal coupling of one arm is vertically spaced from the pivotal coupling of the other arm of the same set. Depending upon the dynamics of the paving operation being performed, the tow arms of each set may be in a crossed or a non-crossed orientation to provide positive control of the angle of attack of the screed plate relative to the tow angle. A method of maintaining a substantially uniform depth of a material being spread over a surface by a screed is also contemplated by the invention.

Abstract: A truss screed includes a shaft guard that covers the screed's exciter shaft to protect it from concrete and debris and that protects the surroundings from the rotating exciter shaft. The shaft guard includes a plurality of tubing sections that surround the shaft and that are supported on joints disposed between the guard sections. In a first preferred embodiment of the shaft guard, each joint includes a resilient spring ring, a support cup that receives the spring ring and an end of an associated tubular section, and a bearing that engages the support cup and that supports the joint and a portion of the exciter shaft on the screed's frame. In a second preferred embodiment, each joint includes a support cup that supports an end of the associated tubular section, a bearing, and a U-shaped bracket that couples the support cup to the bearing. The bearing and/or the bracket have elongated slots therethrough for accommodating misalignment of joint components.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention, a machine having a tool with hydraulically moveable ends, such for example as a screed head, is setup for operation by using an inclinometer or other sensor to determine the orientation of the tool. According to this method, the on grade elevational position of the first end of the tool with respect to the reference is selected, and the first end of the tool is then moved to the desired elevational position while an elevation receiver at the first end detects the reference, such as a beam of laser light. The on grade orientation of the tool along its length from one end to the other is selected, and the second end of the tool moved until the on grade orientation of the tool along its length is sensed. The reference is then detected with the elevation receiver at the second end of the tool. The detected positions of the reference at the first and second ends of the tool are then stored as on grade positions.

Abstract: A control system controls movement of individual hydraulically moveable ends of a screed head carried by a boom of a machine so as to maintain a selected elevational position between each end of the screed head and a reference in a concrete paving application. One of a pair of elevation receivers is mounted at each end of the screed head, providing a first and second signals indicating the position of the first and second ends of the screed head in relation to the reference. A sensor, mounted on the screed head, senses the orientation of the screed head along its length from the first end to the second end and providing a third signal indicating such orientation.

Abstract: A screed consisting of a screeding implement suspension frame; a first screeding implement having a first grading blade attached to a forward end of the screeding implement suspension frame so that a lower end of the first grading blade extends downwardly to a first elevation; a second screeding implement attached to the screeding implement suspension frame rearwardly from the first grading blade so that a lower end of the second screeding implement extends downwardly to a second elevation below the first elevation; a second grading blade; and spirally threaded nuts and bolts removably attaching the second grading blade to the first grading blade so that the lower end of the second grading blade extends downwardly below the second elevation; a third screeding implement attached to the screeding implement suspension frame rearwardly of the second screeding implement.

Abstract: The screed assembly includes a screed plate and a screed frame. The screed plate includes a notch and the screed frame includes a tab that is inserted into the notch on the screed frame such that only screed plates and screed frames which include proper mating notches and tabs may be assembled together on road paving machines. In a preferred form of the invention, the width of the tab is approximately equal to the width of the notch to prevent lateral movement of the screed plate with respect to the screed frame when the screed plate is subjected to lateral impacts and forces during operation of the road paving machine.

Abstract: A device that allows a user to spread and level concrete in a standing position includes a beam formed of a pair of beam segments, each having an inboard end that may be removably joined to the inboard end of the opposing beam member at select locations to vary the length of the beam. Pivotally mounted to the outboard end of each beam segment is a handle assembly. The handle assembly is pivotable between a plurality of angular positions allowing the beam to be manipulated within confined spaces and whereby the beam may also be used in an inverted position. A first beam segment includes an eye bolt for coupling with an external towing means to assist a user in pulling the beam across a heavy layer of concrete.

Abstract: A powered rotary screed provides a powered strike tube that rotates to provide a finish to wet concrete during screeding and a drive tube that provides motive power to the screed to assist with the difficult task of removing excess concrete from a poured pad, or other horizontal concrete surface. The drive tube is split to provide two separate portions that can be independently controlled for easy control of the screed as the screed works concrete. The drive tube portions are elongate cylinders that are axially aligned and rotatable relative to one another. Separate motors drive respective drive tube portions and can be individually controlled to prevent skewing of the screed.

Abstract: A self-propelled vibratory finishing machine for asphalting road surfaces having a frame and a frame supporting storage for storing and distributing bitumen aggregate. The finishing machine also has a press for pressing the bitumen aggregate and flat elements for scraping along the surface being asphalted. The flat elements are set on the sides of the machine and are connected to the press and are vertically mobile with respect to the press. The finishing machine also has a detector for detecting the thickness of bitumen aggregate deposited.